Henderson would have turned 66 on Christmas Day.
The family is expected to make an announcement later in the day.
Henderson had been in the hospital battling pneumonia, a source told the Bay Area News Group.
He was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2009, his first year of eligibility.
My favorite hero was Muhammad Ali, Henderson said during his induction speech in Cooperstown, New York.
He said one time, quote, I am the greatest, end of quote.
He batted .274 as a rookie and stole 33 bases in 89 games.
Two years later he stole 130 bases, breaking Lou Brocks MLB record of 118 set in 1974.
He not only accomplished that feat, but he left an indelible mark on the entire sport.
The debate over greatness is constant in sports- whos the greatest quarterback of all time?
(Answer- another Bay Area legend, TB12).
Whos the best 3-pt shooter ever?
Who’s the greatest pitcher ever?
There was no argument, no question.
Rickey was the greatest to ever do it.
He arrived on the scene in 1979, and from that moment, baseball was never quite the same.
Every time Rickey reached first, it was a threat, an inevitability that pitchers and managers feared.
He didnt just steal bases- he commanded the game.
Watch this -
They say a lot of players were before their time.
He was so dangerous, he was the games first real human cheat code.
Pitching to Rickey wasnt just a decision, it was a high-stakes gamble.
One wrong move, and he was on second, or third, or rounding home.
Who the hell breaks an All-Time record in the middle of their career?
No one has come close in the 21 years since.
Rickey didnt just steal bases; he redefined the art of stealing bases.
Rickey was also a character, in the best possible way.
He had the kind of swagger and self-confidence that drew eyes wherever he went.
His legendary statements, his larger-than-life persona, and his irrepressible spirit were all part of the Rickey package.
He wasnt just a player; he was an event.
And more often than not, it did.
He was beloved by his teammates and opponents alike.
It was equally funny and sad.
His 81 leadoff home runs.
His 1,406 stolen bases.
His Hall of Fame induction on the first ballot.
“Its hard to imagine a more fitting tribute to a man who did everything at an elite level.
Here’s a great documenatry on Rickey’s life and career.
As insiders insist this did happen.
Both players say the exchange never happened, but wished it had.
One of the names he used: Richard Pryor.
Henderson complained a lot about being underpaid.
His recourse often was be the last player on the team to report to spring training.
